CLAY, Ala. — Emergency crews responded to Clay-Chalkville Middle School Thursday morning after several students became sick following reports of eating homemade cookies sold by another student, according to officials.
The Center Point Fire District said it received a call around 10:15 a.m. regarding multiple students experiencing illness on campus. At least one student was taken to a local hospital by ambulance, and others were treated at the scene, ABC 33/40 reported.
Jefferson County Schools Superintendent Walter Gonsoulin said early test results showed no signs of any illicit substances in the cookies after rumors spread that the treats had been tainted. “The initial testing of those food items show no signs of illicit substances,” Gonsoulin said, adding that officials are still working to determine what caused the students’ symptoms.
The superintendent said the cookies were homemade and packaged by a student who brought them to school and sold approximately 30 to 40 of them to classmates. Gonsoulin emphasized that selling food at school violates district policy outlined in the student-parent handbook, which prohibits bringing and distributing food items without approval.
The school district has not released details on how many students ate the cookies or the nature of their symptoms. Authorities continue to investigate, though officials said there was no immediate indication of criminal activity or contamination.
Gonsoulin urged parents to remind students of safety policies and avoid bringing food to share or sell on campus. “In situations like this, it takes time to sort through information,” he said, noting that officials are still verifying facts and dispelling misinformation circulating among students and on social media.
As of Thursday evening, all affected students were expected to recover. The Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office and Center Point Fire District said they will release additional information as it becomes available.